Black Lives Matter

As the events of the past week have unfolded in the news, we feel that our motto at Coopers Lane has never been more poignant. We would like to take this opportunity to share our feelings at this pivotal moment in time.

As a Rights Respecting school, we pride ourselves on our commitment to educating our children on their Rights and Responsibilities, and we strive to ensure that we always embody the belief that we are all indeed, “All Different, All Equal, All Smiling.”

In response to the unlawful murder of George Floyd, an innocent black man, in Minneapolis, we stand together in condemnation.

As Lewisham Leaders, we stand united in our commitment to tackle and challenge racism, address inequality and call out discrimination.

Black people are 40 times more likely to be stopped and searched in the UK . Young black people are nine times more likely to be locked up in England and Wales than their white counterparts, while BAME offenders are far more likely than others to be jailed for drug offences.  

As educators of a wonderfully diverse and multi-cultural school population we cannot remain silent.

The murder of George Floyd must prompt careful reflection about racism in Britain today, and the extent to which it shapes our values, politics and economic life.  As a staff, we have already begun the process of reflection and re-education for ourselves to ensure that we are all aware of how deep-rooted and institutionalised racism really is in our society, both in the UK and across the world.

For many of our children, the recent events – from George Floyd’s death to the protests happening on our streets – will bring another layer of anxiety and questions about the world they live in.  We ask that you all take some time to discuss this as families, as we will also be doing so in school; it is essential that we teach and internalise Black Lives Matter.  Here is a link to an extremely useful video that we will be using in school and we would ask you to watch together at home too:

https://live.firstnews.co.uk/i-dont-get-it/bfi/racism-why-is-it-still-a-big-issue/

The Mirror Challenge

As part of the above, we will be supporting children in school to build on their self-belief and self-love.  One way in which you can help with this at home would be to help your child complete The Mirror Challengeevery day throughout June.  This is a daily exercise of self-appreciation, which the children should do in front of a mirror or looking at themselves on a screen (smart tablet/phone).

It is essential that they can see their own face as they:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and say their name: “I am …”
2. List the things that they love about themselves or are proud of: “I love that I am kind”,

“I love my curly hair”, “I love that I tried to do my writing today even though it was difficult” or “I love that I am a fantastic big brother.”

3. Finish by saying “I love you!” to yourself.
4. Take it all in by taking a deep breath, and smile as you breathe out.

We would love you to share your self-love statements via twitter @CoopersLaneSchor email into tbonner@cooperslane.org to see your Mirror Challenge photos and statements in the next newsletter.

And remember, if you are struggling at home, then please seek help at:

 www.place2be.org.uk/page/get-urgent-help/

Contacting the School

Coopers Lane Primary School is situated in Grove Park in the borough of Lewisham. The entrance to the school is in Pragnell Road, SE12 0LF